Noah Fifita & Tetaroia McMillan – Upcoming NIL Stars

Could anybody have guessed that Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals involving private jet companies would be all the rage this college football season?

Last weekend, it was Georgia quarterback (QB) Carson Beck who landed a deal with AirStar Elite. Then, just a few days later, Arizona QB Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan became the first duo to ink a deal of this kind.

The Wildcats’ commercial with Alerion Aviation officially debuted on August 19.

“Precision and excellence are crucial on the field,” Fifita says.

“…And in the skies,” McMillan adds. “Just like our games, Alerion Aviation delivers top performance.”

Alerion Aviation prides itself on a dedicated and personal flight experience. They also offer a variety of private jet charter services such as aircraft management and consulting services. 

In exchange for shooting the commercial, both athletes are allowed a certain number of hours (which hasn’t been disclosed) to use Alerion’s jets, On3 reports. This can be for personal and team use, or even charity/volunteer events. 

How Fifita and McMillan soar on the field

Both individuals are great contributions to the team, not just publicly, but also as athletes. 

Arizona offensive coordinator Dino Babers recently spoke highly of both McMillan and Fifita. 

“I’m not sure I’ve met anyone like him,” Babers said of Fifita. “The only person I’ve seen with a catch radius like that is Larry Fitzgerald. … I’m just telling you he’s not normal. He may be better than anyone I’ve ever coached.”

Media personality Matt Reynoldson also reported that Babers said “TMac [Tetaroia McMillan] is in the same category as Larry Fitzgerald when it comes to the best receivers he’s ever coached.”

Both McMillan and Fifita attended Servite High School in Anaheim California. So, it makes sense that both players remind Coach Babers of the same person.

This would also explain why they make the perfect duo for companies to partner with.

NIL Valuation and Deals

This is the duo’s second NIL deal together. McMillan and Fifita also teamed up with Crest Insurance Group in February. 

Although it may seem like they are an official NIL pair, each athlete has individual deals, as well.

Fifita, a sophomore, is still relatively new to the world of NIL. He first partnered with Friends of Wilbur & Wilma, the University of Arizona’s alumni-led NIL program named after the school’s mascots. 

This was huge as he partnered with the organization before he even stepped foot on the field. However, this wasn’t necessarily unique as many athletes join their school’s NIL programs. 

Fifita participated in his first individual deal this past March when he teamed up with Super Cuts of Tucson, Arizona. A few months later, he worked with Tucson International Airport.  He also partnered with EA Sports for its release of the College Football 25 game, Sportskeeda reports.

McMillan worked with Jim Click Auto in 2022- a deal that resulted in a new Dodge for the receiver. Essentially Sports also reports that he worked with Nike to promote Wildcats gear.

Like Fifita, McMillan also has partnerships with the Arizona NIL program and EA Sports.

Overall, the duo are the ultimate pair on and off the field and both athletes are likely to gain even more endorsements throughout the season.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by the activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.